When was the last time you listened to the nighttime sounds of summer? Imagine falling asleep to the croaking of frogs and hum of cicadas, feeling the cool mountain breezes blowing gently through the forest trees beneath a big sky full of stars.
here’s nothing quite as magical as camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Plus, summertime camping is top-notch fun as there is no lack of outdoor adventure waiting for your arrival! It's time to start planning your trip to McDowell County.
Check out some of these popular campgrounds and RV parks. If camping isn’t your thing, check out all of our accommodations listings in McDowell County.
Camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Pisgah National Forest, which covers more than half a million acres in the Blue Ridge, got its start right here outside of Old Fort in the early 1900s. Anyone who has the chance to spend time on these protected lands is very lucky.
It’s no surprise that the Blue Ridge Mountains offer a variety of camping options, from primitive camping to campgrounds that offer lots of amenities to make the most of summertime:
In Old Fort…
- Sky Island Campground, where the choices for how you stay are plenty, and their goal is to provide a peaceful mountain getaway. Make sure to stay the whole weekend so you can enjoy their farm-fresh spread of Sunday “Country Brunch”.
- Old Fort RV Park offers full hookups, high-speed internet, and picnic tables.
In Linville Falls…
- Linville Falls Campground sits next to the beautiful Linville River, known for its native brook trout, and not far from the popular Linville Falls triple waterfall. Here you can take your pick of tent campsites (both primitive and tent sites with amenities), RV spots, and super cozy cabins full of rustic charm.
In Little Switzerland…
- Little Switzerland Orchard, Cidery, Winery & Brewery offers 14 campsites and a farm homestead with chickens and horses.
In Marion & Lake James…
- Black Bear Campground has you covered if you want to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Offering campsites and cabins is only the start. Daytime fun includes picnicking in their large covered picnic area, fishing from their pier, and easy access to some great hiking, such as the Fonta Flora State Trail.
- Riverbreeze Campground offers over 100 full hook-up RV sites for the perfect blend of serenity and adventure.
- Lake James State Park offers drive-in sites perfect for families with lots of gear and walk-in sites great for those who pack light. For the most adventurous, there are also paddle-in sites on the Long Arm Peninsula that are accessible only by boat.
- Tanglewood Creekside Campsites offers a range of accommodations alongside a creek, as well as premium tents for the ultimate glamping experience.
- Buck Creek Campground offers 48 acres of full-hook-up RV sites beside mountain streams. If you want hiking paths and waterfalls, and lots of family fun while roaming the Blue Ridge in the RV, here you go!
- Mountain Paradise Campground and Pool is a locally owned campground with a waterslide, pool, mini-golf, fishing, and a playground.
- Spacious Skies - Hidden Creek Campground in Marion is a kid's dream with its swimming pool, waterslide, and lake. They offer full hook-up camp sites, a cafe & camp store, and gem mining.
- Gold River Camp offers tiny cabins by the creek where prospectors once mined for gold. The community atmosphere is the perfect setting for the open-air pavilion overlooking the river, playing lawn games, and hanging out.
- Soulshine Glamping will have you resting your head in ease in a king-size bed with your own hot tub on the private deck of a Geodesic Dome.
